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Boost for Sheffield rail passengers as major phase of train refurbishment programme completed

Rail passengers travelling between Sheffield and London are benefitting from a host of new-look trains, following the completion of the first major phase of East Midlands Trains’ Meridian refurbishment programme.

All six of East Midlands Trains seven-car Meridians have now received a full makeover through the company’s £30 million train refurbishment programme. These trains, which operate on the majority of peak services between Sheffield and London, now feature a whole new interior look, with luxury leather seats in First Class and new carpets and seat covers throughout as well as additional luggage space and a new space for buggies.

David Horne, Customer Service Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “It’s great news for passengers that we’ve completed the first major phase of our Meridian refurbishment programme bang on time.

“Our seven-car Meridians operate on the majority of peak services to London, and this marks the latest in a long line of improvements we have delivered for passengers in Sheffield.

“We’ve had some really positive feedback about our train refurbishment programme, and we hope passengers in Sheffield will enjoy the new look Meridians.”

Since the start of the franchise in November 2007, East Midlands Trains has delivered a range of improvements for passengers in Sheffield, including:

Launch of faster journey times between Sheffield and London

Introduction of two trains an hour to London, following a successful partnership with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Yorkshire Forward

Launch of on-board WiFi on all trains to London

Improvements at Sheffield station, including the opening of a new First Class lounge and refurbishment of all station toilets and waiting facilities

Full refurbishment of all High Speed Trains to London and trains to Liverpool, Nottingham and Norwich

Introduction of a new First Class on-board menu with fresh and tasty meals priced at just £4.95

Launch of an online Best Fare Finder which helps passengers easily find the cheapest ticket for their journey.

The £6 million refurbishment of the Meridian trains is due to be completed by early 2012. These trains are used to operate services on the East Midlands Trains main line route to London, which includes services from Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester to London St Pancras. The trains operate in 4, 5 and 7 car formations, and a total of 143 vehicles will be refurbished through this programme.

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